If you applied for a Smith River Permit, you can now check the permit lottery results on FWP’s website. Successful applicants will also receive an email notification with links to download and print their float permit and access important and detailed information regarding their upcoming Smith River float.
To float the iconic 59-mile stretch of the Smith River, permits are required. This river is known for its spectacular scenery, remote location, and excellent trout fishing. This year, there were 12,452 applicants, which is slightly lower compared to 14,518 in 2023. A total of 978 float permits were awarded for launch dates between April 1 and Aug. 15. Out of these, 867 float permits were awarded to Montana residents, while 111 permits were awarded to non-residents. Typically, the Smith River is floatable from mid-April to mid-July during years with average winter snowpack and spring-summer precipitation.
If you were unsuccessful in the regular permit drawing, you still have a chance to obtain a Smith River Super Permit. For $5 each, you can purchase chances for the Super Permit drawing until March 22. One Super Permit winner will be allowed to launch on any date of their choosing. Chances may be purchased online at FWP’s website. The Super Permit drawing will be held on March 26.
If you want to request any remaining launch dates or canceled permits, you can also call the Smith River reservation and information line at 406-454-5861. The call line will be open from Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to noon.
Starting 2024, pit toilets will no longer be provided. Instead, floaters are required to pack out human waste. To register as a floater, you need to call two days in advance of your scheduled launch date. The river rangers will assign a one-hour time slot for each float group to approach the boat ramp for launching.
Camp Baker is a day-use-only site, with no overnight camping allowed, except for the period of Sept. 1 through Nov. 30.
For more information about Smith River State Park visit: fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/smith-river.
